SO,I'M A NIGHT-OWL. DOES THAT MAKE ME A
FEATHER- HEAD?

Welcome to my Garden.Here is the beauty of my world,in microcosm. It is filled with plants, flowers,animals,birds and persons who are so important to me,that all together, fill me with delight,every day.

MUSICAL TREATS-

"WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE "JIMMY SWAGGART: THERE IS ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOUDONE BY JIM RECORDS, 2006, THIS IS JIMMY'S NEWEST CD, WITH JIMMY ON THE VOCALS, AND THE PIANO, BACKED UP BY THE SILKY VOICES OF THE CRUSADE TEAM,AND FULL MUSICAL ACCOMPANYMENT, WITH JIMMY'S UNPARALLELED ARRANGEMENTS, TRULY AN OUTSTANDING TIME OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP,AND A COMFORT TO THE SOUL. (*****)

IT'S LUCKY WE METJANET PASCHAL: BILL GAITHER AND GLORIA: GOD BLESS AMERICAGAITHER GOSPEL SERIES LIVE FROM CARNEGIE HALL
WITH THEIR HOMECOMING FRIENDS-GET USED TO BEING HAPPY! (*****)

"UNBREAK MY HEART"IL DIVO: IL DIVO A NEW GROUP JUST INTRODUCED ON OPRAH AND THE TONIGHT SHOW, PUT TOGETHER BY SIMON C.
FROM AMERICAN IDOL...FOUR YOUNG MEN, ALL FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, DOING HIP SONGS IN AN OPERATIC STYLE! A MUST HAVE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE MUSIC! YUMMY! SONG IN ITALIAN, OR SPANISH, OR ONE OF THOSE ROMANCE LANGUAGES...WHATEVER IT IS, IT WORKS FOR ME! (*****)

MOONLIGHT SONATABEETHOVEN: PIANO SOLOSSERENE, RESTFUL, AND BEAUTIFUL CLASSICAL MUSIC
TRY THIS IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WITH A GOOD BOOK
AND A GLASS OF WINE. REFLECTIVE.
HAS A WAY OF CALMING KIDS DOWN. (*****)

RHAPSODY IN BLUEGEORGE GERSHWIN: FANTASIA II; DISNEY ALSO AVAILABLE JUST UNDER IT'S OWN NAME,
ON CD OR CASSETTE. SYMPHONIC JAZZ.
GEORGOUS! (*****)

WORD LOVES

T.H. WHITE: "THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING"This is THE BOOK, without which no home library of good fiction is complete! The foundation for the complete Aruthurian ledgend, upon which was based "The sword in the Stone", "Camelot",as well as "Merlin!" There is even speculation of it being an allegory of Christ.A book you will read, and re-read for years to come! It is beautiful, romantic,realistic to the times,and even screamingly funny in places! (*****)

Barbra D'amato: Of course you know that chocolate is a vegetable!Anthology of murder mysteries! Funny, clever and so well written. If you love chocolate, you will drool over the title story! (*****)

VIRGINIA WOOLF edited by Susan Dick: THE Complete Shorter Fiction Of Virginia Woolf A book that follows Virginia Woolf's art of lyrical prose developement...encounter continuous delights for the mind! Be stirred by the color and vapours of Kew Gardens,sweet, magical pictures her words will create in your mind! (*****)

WARREN MURPHY & RICHARD SAPIR: THE DESTROYER SERIES FROM #1 TO THE 64TH, (WHICH IS ONLY AS FAR AS I HAVE GOTTEN IN MY COLLECTION) THIS MARTIAL ARTS SERIES HAS GOT IT ALL.REMO WILLIAMS IS A WISE-CRACKING "DEAD" COP, AND HIS MENTOR IS THE FRAGILE LOOKING CHIUN, MASTER OF SINANJU,
TOGETHER THEY COMPRISE THE KILLING ARM OF A BRANCH OF THE US GOVERNMENT THAT DOES NOT EXIST.

NORA LAM AND RICHARD SCHNIEDER: CHINA CRY: THE NORA LAM STORYTHE TRUE STORY OF A WOMAN WHO FOUND THE COURAGE TO LOVE AND THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE AGAINST ALL ODDS. (*****)

For three days now, the lightening has been flashing, and the thunder rolling, and rain has been falling. Some times torrential downpours, but only very briefly. Last night, all night long, I sat for hours, listening and watching out my windows at the storm. It was soft showers that turned the sky lavender and made the streets look like shiny licorice. The garden birdbath turned into a gently trickling fountain that watered the rosebushes.Thunder usually scares the cat, but Molly wasn't bothered at all by the grumbling that rolled across the heavens tonight.These last days everyone has been complaining about the constant moisture and humidity keeping them from the beaches, riverside, and pools,yet I feel it is such a shame they cannot see the beauty of it,or hear the music of the rain. When the wind picks up a bit, it spatters the raindrops against the screens of my windows, and they cling to them in big droplets, shimmering like diamonds. Around the windows the rain runs down the ivy in sheets,green sparkling waterfalls that end in foaming pools,that stray cats come and drink from,quickly,then melt back to the dark shelter of the bushes and undergrowth lining the wall. Thunder rolls again, and I lean back and close my eyes, listening to the rain as it picks up once more, accompanied by Wagner,softly playing on the television,and then the music changes to Vivaldi, as the storm ebbs and flows around me and it's as though nature is speaking to my spirit. God is saying, this is the way I heal the earth. I clean the air. I nourish the soil. I water my garden,and move the topsoil around. This is another act of love, there for your to revel in, if only you have the wit to enjoy it.

This is a song done by Lucille Ball and either Desi Jr.or Wayne Newton, when he was very young,Capella,in costume as cowboys with big black mustaches...to funny!

Oh, he swings, back and forward in the saddle as he sings,and he's riding on a horse, a pretty good horse, that is syncopated gated and there such a funny meter to the roar of his repeater, how they run, when they hear this fellas gun because the western folks all know, he's a rootin', tootin', shootin', son of a gun from Arizona, rag time cowboy, talk about your cowboy, rag time cowboy Joe!

This is a medley of songs, written by a certain adorable little boy and his mommy when he was only three or four,to the tune of each song's melody, and they blended rather well, and each time we sang them, they sent us into gales of laughter! Enjoy!

I'm just a little black rain cloud hovering under your hunny tree ,only a Little black rain cloud , pay no attention to little me, everyone knows that a rain cloud doesn't eat hunny no not a drip- drop...drip, drip, drop little April showers -Tho April showers, may come your way, they bring the flowers, that bloom in May, so if it's raining have no regrets, for it isn't raining rain you know, it's raining Violets...sweeter than all the roses.Covered all over from head to foot, covered all over with, sweet vio-Let's bake a sunshine cake!

This next song is from a bygone era, and an unknown author,but is sure to delight children who are innocent and unspoiled enough to appreciate simple pleasures-Boys and girls alike.

This is Frere Jacques,(phonetically fera Jaka),-which is French for "Brother John". It used to be that all children learned this song in school. I remember my brother and I riding our bikes with our friends and singing it, as we circled through water puddles,over and over and over,just to splash the cool rainwater up on our feet and legs,after a late afternoon summer shower. Thank goodness for cheap sandals and tennis shoes,and play clothes!

1.As we age, we still remember each other when we were young,and still see that handsome man, that pretty woman,and how much fun we were together.

2. Even when there is a silence between us, it is a comfortable one.

3. We can pick up, right where we left off the last time we spoke, or saw each other, and there is never any need to go into a long song and dance about; why haven't you called? We understand perfectly,because we know each other so well.

There is a new blogger in the line-up of my people list headed "PEOPLE WHO THINK!" If you're a reader of STEEL (and why aren't you?) then you already know her! She's that ready wit that adds fresh insight to any conversation,Phoenix!

Check her out!

She's only posted her second blog,and has already hit the ground running!

It said, "Choose the amount of your loan! No credit check required!" Doesn't that strike fear in your heart? Make you wonder, what do they want for collateral? Your first born child? Your home? I am in the habit of going through credit card offers and such with the greatest care, and the less said, the more they have to hide!

If the accusation comes from the spouse who feels themselves abused,then one must ask the question; " Is it enough that they feel abused, or should there be proof of the abuse, and if so, what form should the proof take?" Is thoughtlessness enough to constitute abuse? Is simple thoughtlessness enough? He forgot your birthday, or anniversary. Is that abuse, or just forgetfulness? If it is abuse, should it be labeled as such for one time, or does it have to be habitual, happening over a period of years? To be fair, one must consider intent. If the offending spouse knows their spouse wishes or expects an action commemorating a special day, and does nothing, knowing the lack or omission will be hurtful to their spouse,then yes, that is spousal abuse.Certainly,if it is repeated time after time, with no effort on the part of the offending spouse to make amends, then that is enough to constitute mental and/or emotional abuse. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that a man or wife grew up in a home where the parents did not display affection. Birthday cakes, gifts, cards, and kisses were a rarity,and even the mere mention of the phrase "I love you" were not heard. Then, as that person became an adult, and felt the urge to marry, it would be abnormal for that person to suddenly turn around and be affectionate. The desire to please their spouse may be there, but from the way they were reared,they would lack the mental capacity, or the emotional wherewithal to do so. Although this situation is unusual, it is not unheard of. I have known of a person who had this sort of upbringing, and it is not that persons fault,entirely. However, for the couple to actually reach the point where they got married,without the person's intended detecting something was missing in their displays of affection, is highly unlikely. Somewhere along the line, there would be a sensation that something was wrong. Yet, in the case that I am thinking of, the spouse, in this case, a man, was able to feign loving behavior enough to convince his bride-to-be of his love. In this instance, the man was at fault, and set out to make the girl fall in love with him, for the sole purpose of having her for his own. He did not love her, he desired her to be his possession. She was a beautiful young woman in every way. Chic, curvaceous,and admired by many men,with a sparkling personality, outgoing, smart and charming,with a glamorous job that brought her in contact with a high profile social circle every day. She dressed beautifully, and she was poised. He simply had to have her. While they dated, she unwittingly taught him how to win her over. He learned the right things to say, and how to treat her,to convince her that they were meant to be together.He went to church with her,pretended to like everything that she did, and even swore he was anxious to settle down, and have a home and children. That was the chink in her armor. Somehow he had found out that what she wanted most was to be married,and have babies,and that she was saving herself for marriage. She was a Virgin,at the age of 19. That cinched it for him. He would do anything to have her. He was a perfect gentleman, and shyly confessed that he was in love with her,while on their knees in church one day. She fell for it like a ton of bricks. Straight after church, they went to her parents house,and in front of the whole family he asked for her hand in marriage, first to her father, and then once he had his consent, he got down on one knee, and proposed to her. Six months later, they were married,in a big church wedding,with all the trimmings, reception, and a wonderful honeymoon.Soon after, he grew cold,and he informed her that he didn't have to do that "stuff" anymore,meaning kissing hello and goodbye, cards, hugging, and saying I love you,or any other displays of affection,including gifts,and, he could" have" her any time he wanted. He said, "You're mine now. There's nothing you can do about it."

The first one starts out like a sporting event. Two announcers, one black, one white, holding microphones,doing a running commentation on the action behind them. A good looking man goes into a night club,and the camera focuses on him as he makes progress to a lovely young lady, who gives him a sour expression, and turns away from him. A buzzer sounds, and the commentators say "Uh-oh! Rejected!"

Then, we are treated to the solution to the "problem", as the man colors his beard with a little brush,and darkens his grey beard with a special hair coloring for men! We are told that in as little as five minutes, his grey is all gone! Once again he goes to the night spot, and when miss sour puss sees him now, she smiles, hugely, grabs him, throws herself on him,and kisses him,and the commentators now say" Home run!"

This commercial is so offensive on so many different levels,I hardly know where to start. But, let's begin with the basic premise, of social interaction between men and women as being some kind of sport, and in order to be a "winner", the man has to get the first girl that appeals to him. This notion is degrading to both the man and woman alike. It doesn't deal with the idea that perhaps the lady is there with another man, or that she may be married or engaged,and it certainly doesn't address the possibility that she may be all wrong for him, or vice-versa. No. There is no chance for them to get to know one another. It implies,that this woman is so shallow that she takes one look at him,and soley on the basis of his grey beard,he isn't good enough for her. So, knowing exactly what the turn-off was, he darkens his beard, and five minutes later, she sees his new and improved visage,and instantly falls in love with him. Well! Any woman who is so easily swayed from utter rejection to complete wanton abandon in a public place,over the color of a man's beard has a screw loose, and isn't to be trusted! And any man who hooks up with a woman like that is bound to be getting a good dose of an STD! That man could have taken that same five minutes, and shaved his beard off,and removed the problem just as easily, and just as well, and then used his head and rejected the woman, in favor of another woman.

Then, there is the commercial of a man waking up,and finding himself alone, and wondering if people notice his grey hair. The scene is grey, his clothes are grey,and it is a dismal overcast day. For this man to not be depressed would be difficult. But, all of a sudden, he decides to color his hair, and miraculously, the sun comes out, you can see the color of his eyes,and skin, and he starts smiling,and everyone around him smiles at him too. It is a pathetic ploy for the makers of this hair preparation to make out as though men have anything to worry about when they start graying. Unlike women, men usually start slowly graying at the temples,and most women regard this as a distinguishing mark,a sign of maturity,and yes,even virility. I'm not saying that some men might want to color their hair, so I suppose they should be made and offered for sale. But if you think that these commercials are going to cause men to rush out and buy your wares, then they are stupid...as are you!

The rush to hurry to the altar started in Vegas just after midnight in every chapel on the strip! The crush to get hitched on this most romantic of days continued until midnight night! This date will go down in history as historical...or is it hysterical?...as being the most popular date for weddings, for a number of reasons. First, of course, June being the most popular month for weddings,and then naturally, as unusual a date as "7/7/07",it seems unlikely that the groom, in years to come, would have trouble remembering their wedding date, as so many husbands seem to do. Since thousands of couples around the world opted to be wed on this day, we shall see how well that theory is born out in practice,in years to come. Then, two, it happened to fall on a Saturday, which is again, the most popular day of the week,not only to plan a wedding,but to ensure that the rest of the wedding party can have that time off for the ceremony,and for attendees of the nuptials....families and friends to be able to make it to the festivities.

But, finally, and most importantly, this is the one day in the lives of the newly weds,perhaps, that their minds turn to hopes of God blessing their union, and since Seven is God's number of perfection,it stands to reason, that he would bless this day.

1.The office calls early. Can you come in now? We have more trips than drivers...We're getting slammed!

2.A little fussed, he still goes off with a smile on his face. A busy night means opportunities to sing,to bring some cheer into the lives of people who might need a good word,and makes the night go faster.

3.Yet, even running the length and breadth of the Quad Cities,even when he has a customer who calls him back time after time,and tries to monopolize his time, he still finds time to take a get well card to a sick friend,and stop and check up on his ailing mother. And, since he is busy, his mother has some alone time to do some writing!! And when the night is over,and the glorious sunrise comes,when he comes home, with a joyous call,"Hello! I'm home!" I leave whatever I am doing, and join him to admire the garden,for a moment of thanks be to God,for a safe homecoming, and all the blessings the night and the day has brought. And he tells me of his night, because I always ask,and whether it was good, or whether it was bad,the telling of it always brings forth an understanding, that even if bad things happened, there are still things to be thankful for. Life. Liberty. Beauty all around us. Loving family and friends.

When I got up today, I was thinking about family get-togethers,and how my sister and the rest of her family...well, my family too,but...her children,and grandkids must be having a wonderful time today. And I admit to certain feelings of nostalgia. Recalling years past when the whole family would be invited to my sister's house for food and fun, and just general catching up...all the cousins having a chance to play together, while we adults had time to chat and marvel at how like "family" our grown nieces and nephews were. For a while I allowed myself to feel left out, even though there was no reason to. If I could have made the trip, I am certain I would have been welcome. But even so, I knew without asking that none of my nieces or nephews homes would be wheelchair accessible,so it was more a question of logistics than anything else that prevented me. And then I short-circuited that particular spate of self-pity,by reminding myself just how "delightful" I find most picnics and cook-outs. I love the food,and the company, don't get me wrong. But Summer weather is only my dish of tea if there is swimming involved. I suffer in the heat. Sunlight means slathering myself in the highest sunblock available,and it still brings out my freckles. If I have no air conditioning available, the bathtub is filled with cool water, in which I douse myself several times a day,hair, clothes and all, and as soon as I am dry, it's off to the bathtub again. In that mode I am not fit for mixed company,because I wear long tee shirts,and short shorts,in the thinnest material possible. If yon son happens to be home,and awake, I exit the bathroom with the cry "No Peaking! No Peaking!" While I rush past him, to Plant myself in front of the first available fan. And it's no joke, either! If he didn't instantly avert his eyes...(Of course, he always does...) there would be a war! I know some families have no problem with semi-nudity,and sheer clothing between parent and child,but this is not one of them! So, for me to be completely happy in the summertime, I need to be able to cuddle up to a fine, powerful air conditioner,and make sure there is a big fan in every room. In addition, I only venture out after dark, in the cool of the evening, or on an overcast day, when the temperature is 74 degrees or below,and with low humidity...or in the rain. And, when I do go out, I wear knee-length pants,and light weight shirts with at least three-quarter length sleeves. Well, after all. I spent my youth doing all that swimming, and building up life-guard muscles. Now, some folks may find that attractive, but I do not. Therefore, I have no intention of showing off my muscular arms and legs. For all you former bay-watch watchers,who drool at the astonishing figures of the women who pretended to be life-guards,it may come as a shock to you that they were in actuality completely bogus for them to have sported slim arms and legs,and defied rip tides, currants and go from shore to drowning victims,and hauled them back alive to the sand. To have that kind of strength, one must build up rather impressive muscles, which don't look good once they are no longer kept toned up. Men can get by with it a whole lot better than women can. So, that puts me outdoors at a picnic table, with covered arms and legs, wearing sunscreen, and a big floppy hat to shade my face, a hand fan to dry the sweat from my face,and then, there are the bugs. Flies. Bees. Wasps. All manner of flying beasties, who for some reason love me,(I think it's my perfume) and I detest them all! In fact, I am allergic to bees!

So,given all these different aspects of the joys of summer get-togethers, perhaps it is just as well that I have some fond memories of times past,and let it go at that.

Happy fourth of July,and I hope you have a wonderful summer of cook-outs and picnics!

I know I will....right here next to my air conditioner, surrounded by fans and with screen doors keeping the flies out, and with windows to look through!